NAIROBI, KENYA: The Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA) is now set to oversee the construction of a new high-speed highway that will cost Sh230 billion.
Bechtel International, a US based engineering firm, will do the construction after signing the agreement with the Kenya’s Highway Authority.
“Bechtel has been selected to build the first high-speed expressway in Kenya. The 473-kilometre highway will improve connectivity and safety,” KeNHA’s director general Peter Mundinia told reporters.
The US Export-Import and overseas Private Investment Corporation will finance the project.
“The highway will have four lanes with provisions for future expansion to six and 19 interchanges, It will reduce time taken to Mombasa from Nairobi to roughly four hours” Mr.Mundinia said.
KeNHA says that the project has been structured in such a way that it will be completed in time to allow motorists to use it soonest possible. Bechtel is among the largest construction companies in the world and it has already set up it African office in Nairobi.
Source link- standardmedia.co.ke
Context:
- The current Mombasa-Nairobi highway (A109) is a critical transport corridor but is often congested and has deteriorating sections, leading to journeys that can take 8–10 hours or more, depending on traffic.
- A proposed or ongoing expressway or high-speed highway project (possibly a dualled, modern road) is designed to cut travel time to just 4 hours.
Key Features Likely Involved:
- Dual carriageway or expressway standard (controlled access, multiple lanes).
- Bypassing towns to reduce traffic slowdowns.
- Smart traffic systems, tolling, or rest areas.
- Possibly being developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model.
Benefits:
- Boosts trade and logistics, especially given Mombasa’s port.
- Enhances tourism and mobility between Kenya’s two major cities.
- Reduces road accidents due to better infrastructure.
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